Anderson feels the Essex opener is perfect to take over from the hugely respected Andrew Strauss as England seek to reclaim their No 1 Test status.

"It's very exciting having a new bloke in charge. It will be a bit strange for the first couple of weeks without Strauss barking orders. But Cooky has done a great job leading the one-day side and everyone has enjoyed his captaincy style," the Sun quoted Anderson, as saying.

"People might think Cooky and Straussy are similar characters because of their public school upbringing and both being left-handed openers. But the reality is they are completely different," he added.

"Straussy was always destined to be captain. He had a Churchillian way about him. He was very eloquent when he spoke and everyone listened. Cooky can rouse the troops but in a different way," he said.

Anderson added: "Some of his speeches when captaining the one-day team have been great. He gets the guys to follow him and win games of cricket. He has done that brilliantly."

"We're the No 1-ranked one-day team. One thing Cooky will do well is put his own stamp on the job. He won't try to emulate Strauss. That's the worst thing he could do," he further said.

"Cooky is a very determined bloke. Never underestimate him just because he looks like a choirboy. When he gets a challenge, he really wants to take it on," he added.